Dr Shamu
Itai Muzondo
BIKITA – Suspected typhoid cases have been reported in Bikita with health workers already on the ground warning people against using water from unprotected sources.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food and water on close contact.
Masvingo Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamu however said he had not yet received any report of the disease scare.
“It’s actually news to me because no one has communicated that to me as yet. I will have to find out with my team in the district since they have not yet reported anything of that sort,” Dr Shamu said.
“Since the typhoid outbreak in Harare, we have tried to maintain good health standards in the province so that we don’t face such a problem. No case has been reported so if this proves to be true, it will be the first to be reported,” added Shamu.
A source however told TellZim News that several suspected typhoid deaths known to some health officials have happened.
“Health officials are all over here after several deaths suspected to have been caused by typhoid. The health workers are moving door to door alerting people on how to avoid typhoid. Affected areas so far are Negovano, Munzinzwa and Gangare,” the source said.
Symptoms of typhoid include lasting high fevers, weakness, stomach pains, headache and loss of appetite. Those infected may also have constipation or a rash. In rare cases, typhoid can lead to internal bleeding and death.news
